Benjamin Shurtz
Technical Writer & Documentation Specialist
Translating complex technical information into clear, reliable documentation that real people can use.
About Me
Biography
I’ve worked in vehicle crash testing and accident reconstruction since 2016, building on a foundation in automotive repair and automotive engineering that gives me a practical, systems-level understanding of the technical information I document. That background sharpened my ability to interpret complex data and translate it into clear, usable documentation.
Accident reconstruction taught me to be meticulous and deliberate in my writing, and crash testing reinforced the importance of producing documentation that is accessible and reliable. I recently completed the Oregon State University Technical Writing Certificate, expanding my expertise in user-centered documentation and AI-assisted workflows. I’m committed to producing technical content that is clear, practical, and dependable.
Mission Statement
Technical writing is a discipline focused on making complex processes understandable and usable for every reader. I’m driven by the belief that clear, practical communication reduces errors and helps people work safely and confidently. With a hands-on engineering and repair background, I bridge the gap between theory and practice to create documentation that supports real-world use. I aim to produce accessible, user-centered guides that improve workflow efficiency and reflect universal design principles.
Core Competencies
Documentation
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- User manuals and quick-start guides
- Technical procedures and work instructions
- Process diagrams and flowcharts
- Single-sourcing and content reuse
Tools & Technology
- Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Visio
- Adobe Acrobat
- WordPress (block editor)
- AI-assisted writing workflows
- Version control and document management
Expertise
- Automotive engineering & crash testing
- Accident reconstruction documentation
- User-centered design principles
- Accessibility and universal design
- Complex data interpretation
Sample Writing
The following documents were produced as coursework for the Oregon State University Technical Writing Certificate program. Each sample demonstrates a different documentation format and skill set.
User Manual
Oknife Duron Folding Knife
A mock user manual for a folding knife, covering product specifications, safe-handling, and disassembly/reassembly. Designed to meet consumer product documentation standards with clear visual hierarchy and accessible language.
Process Document & SOP
How to Paint Bare Wood
A step-by-step process document demonstrating SOP writing techniques, including a process flowchart, and numbered procedures. Illustrates how complex multi-stage tasks can be broken down into clear, actionable steps for a general audience.
Technical Procedure
Single-Sourcing & Structured Content
A technical procedure document showcasing single-sourcing methodology — producing multiple output formats from one source document. Demonstrates advanced formatting, consistent style application, and content reuse strategies used in professional documentation environments.
Education & Certifications
Technical Writing Certificate
Oregon State University
2025 – 2026
Completed coursework covering user-centered documentation, SOPs and procedures, user manuals, single-sourcing methodology, and AI-assisted writing workflows.
Professional Experience
Vehicle Crash Testing & Accident Reconstruction
2016 – Present
Ten years of hands-on experience in automotive engineering, crash test documentation, data interpretation, and litigation support. Foundation in automotive repair and systems-level analysis.
Get In Touch
I’m actively seeking technical writing opportunities. If you’re looking for a writer who brings real-world engineering experience and a commitment to clear, user-centered documentation, I’d love to connect.
Ben Shurtz 